The MAKE IT Podcast

Hello, Hello!

In this segment, enjoy a double dose of wisdom from previous guest Michael Mendelsohn on what it means to "MAKE IT" as a creator, followed by filmmaker Zair Montes sharing hard-learned lessons from producing her film "Rumba Love." Michael emphasizes that making it means enjoying what you do across multiple jobs, while Zair details the costly mistakes and resilience required during her multi-year production journey. The episode offers valuable insights for indie filmmakers about both the mindset needed for success and the practical pitfalls to avoid.

We also talk about:

• The importance of securing full funding before beginning production

• Why contracts with cast and crew are essential before shooting

• How to handle scheduling conflicts and venue cancellations during production

• Managing international shoots and the complexities of filming in Cuba

• Strategies for dealing with missing footage and actor departures mid-production

Mentioned: 

• Rumba Love (film)

• Golden Ceiba Productions

• Cuba/Havana

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

In this segment, Michael Mendelsohn takes on our "Clear the Set" segment where he shares his top three films of all time, including The Godfather, The Matrix, and a French film by Luc Besson. The conversation explores Michael's film preferences, from movies he loves to ones he's embarrassed not to have seen, including his connection to Battlefield Earth through John Travolta. The discussion also covers his musical background with tenor saxophone and his favorite cheat day meal at a Los Angeles restaurant.

We also talk about:

• The arms dealing themes in Lord of War and its impact on audiences [0:01:35]
• Christopher Nolan's Tenet and the need for DVD extras to understand the film [0:04:24]
• The Wizard of Oz paired with Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album synchronization [0:06:55]
• Musical instruments and dating prospects with viola versus saxophone [0:11:15]
• Personal anecdotes about learning trumpet and self-consciousness in childhood [0:10:36]

Mentioned:

The Godfather

The Matrix

Little Mermaid

Nikita

The Professional/Leon

Red Sparrow

Lord of War

When Harry Met Sally

Battlefield Earth

Tenet

The Wizard of Oz

Luc Besson

John Travolta

Christopher Nolan

Miles Davis

Alfred Hitchcock

Honeys Kettle in Culver City

Pink Floyd's "The Wall" album

Tenor saxophone

Alto saxophone

Viola

clarinet

Trumpet

MGM

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we explore the career wisdom of indie film producer Chris Conner, who has over 20 years of experience in film, political campaigns, and advertising. The discussion focuses on Connor's unique approach to maintaining anonymity in an industry built on self-promotion and his philosophy of letting work speak for itself. We examine his journey from Florida to Nashville, his decision to avoid Los Angeles, and the key lessons that have shaped his successful career.

We also talk about:

• The SWAT team incident during a student film that taught crucial safety lessons [0:04:33]
• Connor's mentorship philosophy of making yourself valuable rather than seeking mentors [0:05:20]
• Financial discipline strategies for surviving the feast-or-famine nature of film work [0:07:22]
• The self-funded pilot strategy used for "Still the King" starring Billy Ray Cyrus [0:08:22]
• Three essential rules for pitching projects successfully in the industry [0:09:06]

People, Places, Products, and References Mentioned:

Chris Conner (indie film producer) [0:00:23]

Raiders of the Lost Ark [0:01:38]

Cocoon (filmed near Indian Rocks Beach) [0:03:20]

Watkins College of Art in Nashville [0:03:36]

Witt's Barbecue on Nolensville Road [0:04:24]

Nashville SWAT team [0:04:33]

YMCA commercial [0:05:35]

Olympia Dukakis and Diane Ladd [0:06:28]

Hideout Pictures [0:08:16]

Billy Ray Cyrus [0:08:22]

"Still the King" (TV show) [0:08:22]

Blumhouse Productions [0:09:23]

"The Clever Leagues" project [0:09:36]

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

Make It friends and family, Chris here to announce that starting today, with the episode you are about to hear, we’ll be publishing our segments and bonus content on this feed daily. 

Why are we doing this? Because there’s a good chance you’re already listening to our episodes over the span of the week, we decided to publish our segments from each long-form episode to make it easier for you to enjoy the entire thing. 

Also, Nick and I are always looking for new ways to spice things up, meet our audience in the middle, and improve the show for you. There you have it, daily goodness in segments and bonus content from Make It. 

Of course, we’ll still be releasing longform episodes every two weeks on Friday—that hasn’t changed. Thanks as always for your support, and be sure to let us know what you think on any of our platforms at Beacons.

---

In this Things We Should Know Segment, we host a trivia challenge on films with the longest production gaps due to financial struggles. Guest Michael Mendelsohn demonstrates his film industry knowledge by correctly identifying that an Orson Welles film took 48 years to complete. The conversation reveals the critical importance of film financing in both starting and finishing movie projects.

We also talk about:

• Various films that experienced extended production delays, including Megalopolis, Black Barbie documentary, Out of Africa, and Platoon [0:01:15]
• The challenges of defining criteria for measuring longest production times across different types of films [0:01:51]
• Michael Mendelsohn's personal experience financing Robin Hood: Men in Tights [0:05:00]
• The revelation that Michael may have used external help to answer the trivia question [0:06:55]
• Playful banter about collaboration and rhyming between the hosts [0:08:02]

Products, software, websites, people, or places mentioned:

• Netflix [0:06:17]
• Francis Ford Coppola [0:01:15]
• Orson Welles [0:03:28]
• Frank Marshall [0:05:58]
• Soho House [0:09:24]
• The Other Side of the Wind (film) [0:05:40]
• Megalopolis (film) [0:01:15]
• Black Barbie (documentary) [0:01:52]
• Apocalypse Now [0:03:30]
• Out of Africa [0:03:30]
• Platoon [0:03:38]
• Lord of War [0:03:42]
• Air Force One [0:03:50]
• The Fugitive [0:04:35]
• Robin Hood: Men in Tights [0:05:00]

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

Make It friends and family, Chris here to announce that starting today, with the episode you are about to hear, we’ll be publishing our segments and bonus content on this feed daily. 

Why are we doing this? Because there’s a good chance you’re already listening to our episodes over the span of the week, we decided to publish our segments from each long-form episode to make it easier for you to enjoy the entire thing. 

Also, Nick and I are always looking for new ways to spice things up, meet our audience in the middle, and improve the show for you. There you have it: daily goodness in segments and bonus content from MAKE IT. 

Of course, we’ll still be releasing longform episodes every two weeks on Friday—that hasn’t changed. Thanks as always for your support, and be sure to let us know what you think on any of our platforms at Beacons.

---

In this Filmmaker Q&A segment,  film financier Michael Mendelsohn shares his decades of experience backing auteur-driven films like The Matrix, Reservoir Dogs, and True Romance, discussing his philosophy on risk management and creative investment. He breaks down the essential elements of successful filmmaker partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clear vision, genre clarity, and the balance between creative passion and financial responsibility. Mendelsohn also explores the challenges facing independent cinema in the streaming era and reveals his company's upcoming projects in horror, family films, and supernatural thrillers.

We also talk about:

• The trust and verify approach to managing financial risk in film investments
• How the Netflix model has changed audience expectations for free versus paid content
• The difference between studio franchise filmmaking and independent auteur cinema
• Why collaboration without ego is essential for successful film production
• The importance of hiring talent from diverse geographic locations beyond Los Angeles

Mentioned in this episode:

•The Matrix

•True Romance

•Reservoir Dogs

•Light Sleeper

•Magic Mike

•Chocolate City

•Ronin

•Palm Springs

•Quentin Tarantino

•Paul Schrader

•Willem Dafoe

•Susan Sarandon

•Tom Cruise

•De Niro

•Frankenheimer

•Bill Murray

•Keanu Reeves

•Wachowski Brothers

•Joel Silver

•Mark Rowan

•Elon Musk

•Live Entertainment

•BET

•Paramount

•Netflix

•Disney

•BBC

•Canal Plus

•Apollo Capital

•Patriot Pictures

•Ocala Florida

•Boston

•Santa Clarita

•Baltic Sea

•Malibu

•Vatican

•Wild Pitch

•Mermaid project at Malibu High

•Exorcist-type horror film

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

Make It friends and family, Chris here to announce that starting today, with the episode you are about to hear, we’ll be publishing our segments and bonus content on this feed daily. 

Why are we doing this? Because there’s a good chance you’re already listening to our episodes over the span of the week, we decided to publish our segments from each long-form episode to make it easier for you to enjoy the entire thing. 

Also, Nick and I are always looking for new ways to spice things up, meet our audience in the middle, and improve the show for you. There you have it, daily goodness in segments and bonus content from Make It. 

Of course, we’ll still be releasing longform episodes every two weeks on Friday—that hasn’t changed. Thanks as always for your support, and be sure to let us know what you think on any of our platforms at Beacons.

---

In this Audience Polls segment, Nick presents shocking statistics from a 2021 producer sustainability survey, revealing that 55% of film producers received zero backend compensation over the past decade. Producer Michael Mendelsohn discusses why streamers rarely pay backend deals and how the industry's financial realities affect creative decisions. The conversation explores the tension between passion for filmmaking and the economic necessity of sustaining a producing career.

We also talk about:

• How 82% of producers would leave the industry due to a lack of money, while 87% stay for love of the work
• The impact of streaming platforms on traditional backend compensation models
• Why special effects can become a crutch when story and character development suffer
• The decline of Marvel movies after Disney's acquisition and factory-style production approach
• How AI should complement rather than replace character-driven storytelling

Mentioned:

• Dear Producer newsletter
• Producer Sustainability Survey Report (2021)
• The Lost Bus (Matthew McConaughey film)
• Lord of War film series
• Taylor Sheridan shows (Mayor of Kingstown, Landman)
• Marvel/Disney
• Avi Arad (Marvel producer)
• Bruce Lee

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://themakeitpodcast.store

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

Make It friends and family, Chris here to announce that starting today, with the episode you are about to hear, we’ll be publishing our segments and bonus content on this feed daily. 

Why are we doing this? Because there’s a good chance you’re already listening to our episodes over the span of the week, we decided to publish our segments from each long-form episode to make it easier for you to enjoy the entire thing. 

Also, Nick and I are always looking for new ways to spice things up, meet our audience in the middle, and improve the show for you. There you have it, daily goodness in segments and bonus content from Make It. 

Of course, we’ll still be releasing longform episodes every two weeks on Friday—that hasn’t changed. Thanks as always for your support, and be sure to let us know what you think on any of our platforms at Beacons.

---

In this Story is King, legendary producer Michael Mendelsohn joins the Make It Podcast to discuss his incredible journey from being Johnny Carson's driver to producing iconic films like The Matrix, Reservoir Dogs, and True Romance. Mendelsohn shares insights about his current focus on training young filmmakers and his recent projects including "California Scheming" directed by James McAvoy and the sci-fi film "Dream Quill" with Paramount. The conversation explores the challenges of breaking into Hollywood's nepotistic system, the importance of authentic storytelling over franchise filmmaking, and Mendelsohn's philosophy on giving back to the industry.

We also talk about:

• The origins of blooper reels and their psychological impact on audiences
• Industry consolidation and the Paramount acquisition's effects on independent filmmakers
• Breaking into Hollywood without family connections in the 1980s
• The difference between cinema and franchise filmmaking
• Biblical philosophy and the potential need for a "Volume Three" in modern times

Mentions:

• Films: Lord of War, Air Force One, The Hurricane, The Matrix, What Women Want, True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, California Scheming, Dream Quill, Princess Bride
• People: Johnny Carson, Quentin Tarantino, Lawrence Bender, James McAvoy, Alex Prager, William Goldman, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Sean Evans
• Companies: Paramount, Warner Brothers, Sony, Miramax
• Places: Toronto Film Festival, Egyptian Theater, Nashville, LA, London, Scotland
• Technology: LIDAR, AI, robots
• Other: Hot Ones podcast, Iocane powder, Chevy Chevelle Super Sport

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is brought to you by Notion Agent, the AI that doesn’t just help with work – it finishes it. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.com/makeit to support your work and ours!

This episode is brought to you by Surfshark VPN. Go to surfshark.com/makeit or use code makeit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!"

This episode is brought to you by Gusto. Save time with automated tools built right in: offer letters, onboarding materials, direct deposit, and don’t pay a cent until you run your first payroll. Go to www.gusto.com/makeit, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. 

Hello, Hello!

In this episode, we welcome film producer Michael Mendelsohn ("Lord of War," "Air Force One," “Reservoir Dogs,” and "The Matrix.”) to the Make It Podcast. The conversation explores Mendelsohn's expansive career—including recent projects, Dream Quill and California Scheming, and his dedication to training the next generation of filmmakers—while delving into shifts within the movie industry. Listeners also get personal stories from the guests and hosts, and a behind-the-scenes look at cinema’s evolving landscape

We also talk about:

• The impact of family background and immigration on creative ambition and career journeys.
• The transformation of audience viewing habits due to streaming services and subscriptions.
• Favorite cheat day meals, musical preferences, and rapid-fire personal anecdotes.
• The role of naming, legacy, and values within the arts and entertainment industries.
• Fun fact segments, including the influence of classic films like The Wizard of Oz and unique film-watching challenges (e.g., watching with Pink Floyd's The Wall).

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Surfshark VPN

Notion (software)

Michael Mendelsohn (guest, producer)

James McAvoy (actor, director)

Alex Prager (director)

Quentin Tarantino (director)

Sean Evans ("Hot Ones" host)

Johnny Carson (late night host, mentioned)

Lawrence Bender (producer, mentioned)

Soho House (Nashville)

Urban Market (Franklin)

Toronto Film Festival

Nashville, TN (city)

Franklin, TN (city)

Paramount (studio)

Warner Brothers (studio)

Sony (studio)

Miramax (studio)

Lord of War

Air Force One

The Matrix

What Women Want

True Romance

Reservoir Dogs

Dream Quill

California Scheming

The Hurricane

Pulp Fiction

The Princess Bride

Last King of Scotland

Top Gun

Mission Impossible

Batman

Superman

Wonder Woman

William Goldman (author of The Princess Bride)

Iocaine powder (fictional poison from The Princess Bride)

Gusto (payroll and HR software)

Patriot Pictures

Union Patriot Capital

Patriot Pictures Instagram

Herban Market (Franklin, TN)

Honey’s Kettle (Culver City, LA)

Apollo Capital

Egyptian Theater

Toronto Film Festival

Pink Floyd (The Wall album)

The Godfather

What Women Want

Red Sparrow

Nikita

When Harry Met Sally

The Other Side of the Wind

Apocalypse Now

Out of Africa

Platoon

Robin Hood: Men in Tights

The Fugitive

Black Barbie (Documentary)

Palm Springs

Megalopolis

Magic Mike

Chocolate City

Wild Pitch

Little Mermaid

The Professional/Leon

Battlefield Earth

Jay Leno

Jimmy Kimmel

Keanu Reeves

John Travolta

Avi Arad

Joel Silver

Wachowski siblings

Francis Ford Coppola

Chris Evans

Bill Murray

Taylor Sheridan

Mel Gibson

Alex Prager

Mark Rowan

Max (director of Palm Springs)

Mitch (Bill Murray collaborator)

Prince 

MGM Lion (film intro)

Culver City, CA

Santa Clarita, CA

Ocala, FL

Willem Dafoe

Susan Sarandon

BET

Paramount

Canal Plus (France)

BBC

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is brought to you by Anthropic. Claude is the AI for minds that don’t stop at good enough—it's the collaborator that actually understands your entire workflow and thinks WITH you, not for you. Sign up for Claude today and get 50% off your first three months of Claude Pro when you use our link – www.claude.ai/makeit

This episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. The best way to cook just got better. Go to www.HelloFresh.com/MAKEIT10FM now to get 10 Free Meals and a Free Item for life! 

This episode is brought to you by Surfshark VPN. Go to www.surfshark.com/makeit or use code makeit at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!"

This episode is brought to you by The Film Tech Program at Columbia State Community College. ENROLLMENT begins each fall semester. But space is limited to 20 students each year. So, apply now. For more information, reach out to David Smith, FCT Program Director at 615-790-4410 or email him at [email protected]

www.ColumbiaState.edu/FCT

Hello, Hello! 

In this episode, we welcome BAFTA-winning British producer Hayder Hoozeer to unravel his journey from humble beginnings to international recognition for his short film "Rock, Paper, Scissors." Together, they explore the filmmaker’s road from runner to producer, discuss the inside workings of the film industry, and debate the value of documentaries versus narrative films. The candid conversation also touches on the impacts of AI and CGI in film, the business acumen needed for creative success, and the importance of personal stories in forging a filmmaking career.

We also talk about:

• Hayder's experience at the National Film and Television School and the role of formal education versus real-world grind in film.
• The community and audience interaction that powers the Make It Podcast, including our reflections on the significance of audience polls and feedback.
• Film festival strategy and the intricacies of taking a short film through global festivals and awards campaigns.
• Food and travel: favorite cheat meals for creatives on set and underrated international destinations for filmmakers.
• The importance of storytelling as escapism, including how formative films like "Coco" and "The Princess Bride" can shape personal journeys and worldviews.

People, Places, Products, and Websites Mentioned:

Claude Pro (Anthropic’s AI model)

HelloFresh

Columbia State Community College (Film Crew Technology Program)

Surfshark VPN

“Rock, Paper, Scissors”

Master of None

Wallace & Gromit

The Princess Bride

Inception

Coach Carter

Babylon

Coco

Star Wars

Gone with the Wind

Sound of Music

Citizen Kane

1917

The Green Mile

Drops of God

Thunderbolts

The Avengers

Toy Story

Ed Gein

Dahmer

Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer

Oleksandr Rudynskyi

Franz Böhm

Hsien Yu Niu

Roger Deakins

David Yates

Kim “Cookie” McCray

Phil Knight (author, "Shoe Dog")

Sean Astin

Brian Cranston

Robert Downey Jr.

Mark Ruffalo

Aziz Ansari

Sean Connery

Nick Park

Nicholas Broomfield

Bill Forsythe

Mauritius

Guadalajara (Mexico)

Champagne (France)

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. 

So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hello, Hello!

NEW PODCAST SERIES ALERT: FILM BRIEF

Blending journalism with artistry, Film Brief transforms film analysis into an engaging and informative listening experience. The goal is to reveal what makes each movie or series resonate—on screen and behind the scenes. For listeners, it’s not just a review; it’s an exploration of the art of filmmaking.

BRIEF:

In this episode, Nick explores the documentary series 'The Last Independent Automaker,' which tells the story of American Motors Corporation, an underdog in the automotive industry. It highlights the challenges faced by the company in a competitive landscape dominated by larger automakers and emphasizes the themes of creativity and innovation in the face of constraints.

TAKEAWAYS:

• The documentary chronicles the rise and fall of American Motors Corporation.
• American Motors was an underdog in the automotive industry.
• The story blends business and human drama.
• Creativity often flourishes under constraints.
• The automotive industry was dominated by giants during the mid-20th century.
• American Motors carved out a unique niche for itself.
• The film serves as a lesson in resilience and innovation.
• Filmmaker Joe Ligo captures a unique historical narrative.
• The documentary is structured in six parts.
• The challenges faced by American Motors reflect broader themes in business.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

“The Last Independent Automaker" (documentary series)

AMC Rambler (car model referenced in history)

AMC Eagle (car model referenced in conversation)

“Mastering Film Marketing” (ebook)

Joe Ligo (filmmaker, automotive journalist)

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service – where the docuseries premiered)

Auto Moments YouTube (“auto moments” channel)

The Make It Podcast (platform, podcast, social accounts)

Kenosha, Wisconsin (location of AMC factory)

Detroit, MI (implied, as seat of "Detroit’s Titans," i.e., the Big Three automakers)

We are humbled to have a community of creatives who care deeply about our work. And your support makes our work possible. Every subscriber, rating, and review matters. So, if you like what we're doing, please consider subscribing, rating, or giving us a review. Cheers, and best of luck on your filmmaking journey. #MAKEIT

All Links: https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy